Secretary Mabus applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to enhance Sierra Leone’s Joint Operations Center,to develop a comprehensive National Maritime Strategy, and to strengthen maritime law and prosecution of violators.  He noted that Sierra Leone and the United States share a common interest in promoting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

In his meetings, he discussed specific ways the United States and Sierra Leone can work together to combat illicit activities, such as  trafficking in persons and narcotics, smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing in Sierra Leone’s territorial waters, and to promote legitimate commerce and sustainable fishing that contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic development and food security.